Upcoming Events

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Windsor area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person. Once we are able to run this group, you will be contacted.

Learn more about the 2024 CNIB Guide Dogs Halifax Gala fundraising campaign!

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the St. Catharines area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person. Once we are able to run this group, you will be contacted.

VocalEye is the first dedicated live description service for blind and partially sighted people in Canada. Since its inception, VocalEye has described over 300 live events including theatre performances, dance, opera, parades, fireworks and public art tours for people who are blind and partially sighted. VocalEye Almost Live Zoom events are hosted by members of the blind community with special guest artists most Wednesday evenings.

Mindset is everything. Goal setting is powerful. Leading by example is life changing! The "I Can..." Be An Ambassador Program is designed for youth aged 29 and under who gave a specific goal, have a passion for being leadership, and are excited to share their journey to help empower others. 

Do you live in a rural part of Canada with limited or no public transit options? Join CNIB for a virtual focus group to share your experience with us and help shape CNIB's future advocacy efforts. Focus groups will be held on October 2, 7, 9 and 19. Please select the session that that best suits your schedule.

In the “There's Something I Need to Tell You" Disclosure Series, join Ben Akuoko and Kate Riccomini for a six-week series as they provide informative session with various topics in the areas of disclosure: family, friends, relationships, customer service, employment and general public interaction. Find out whether to disclose, how much to disclose, and how to disclose your sight loss effectively.  Every Monday (September 23 to October 28) from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern on Zoom. 

The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of regulars and newcomers. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

Join us for conversation, laughter, and a chance to reminisce about your favourite CNIB Lake Joe memories. Pour yourself a coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, login and connect with your friends from Lake Joe. Coffee Break meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

Are you craving that social interaction you normally get from going for coffee with friends ? We are here to keep the virtual conversation going post pandemic! Since we've gotten to know each other, lets stay connected and share some good news stories, discuss practical tips and successes with others living with vision loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Tech Connect is an interactive, engaging and educational program where participants discuss different technologies/apps that can help make life a bit easier! Participants will learn about technologies other participants use and you are then able to ask questions to get help with your own technology/apps. Second Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom. 

Get ready to dance your heart out! Dust off those dancing shoes and join us for the International Folk Dancing Program with CNIB! Our classes are all about learning and enjoying vibrant dances from around the world. Classes last six weeks and promise to be full of fun and cultural exploration.  Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub (1525 Yonge Street, Toronto).

Come on out for some Kitchen Fun! Kingston area youth and young adults are invited to join us monthly for a cooking club to create something yummy. We will decide on recipes and create a grocery list of ingredients for the next month.  second Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB Kingston Hub. 

This coffee group for the guys is currently virtual, and offers an opportunity for interesting and relevant discussions with others who are experiencing vision loss. Get comfortable in your favourite chair and set yourself up with snacks and coffee or your beverage of choice, then bring on the conversation.Second Tuesday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB Barrie Hub. 

If you have a lively mind, learning is something you never stop doing. History, geography, science, travel, social trends, there’s no end to what we can know. Expand your horizons in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Presenters will offer a range of content, and invite lively conversation. Second Tuesday of every month from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Like it or not, technology is becoming a big part of modern life. Nowadays, people rely on computers and smartphones for work, school, entertainment and connection. For people with vision loss, assistive technology offers all of this as well as increased confidence and independence. Join us over Zoom for Intro to Assistive Technology - find out what is possible and how we at CNIB can help you harness the power of assistive technology. This group meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Chair yoga is a good option for anyone with injuries or with mobility issues. You will need comfortable clothing and a sturdy chair without arms or armrests for this class. Techniques include breath work, gentle movement with repetition, postures, sitting meditation and relaxation. No experience required. Chair Yoga meets every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children and youth participants across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more!  Get ready to make some music!  This group runs on Zoom, every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time. 

Come join us, your hosts Kevin, Brian and Pierre, as we resume the widely popular – Tech Talk Tuesday. In these hour-long, weekly Zoom sessions we will discuss accessible technology as well as its practical application in everyday life. You don’t need to know a lot about technology: you can just listen if you like. The group consists of beginners as well as advanced users of accessible technology. All questions and ideas are welcomed. Every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

Adjustment to Vision Loss Intro program is for people who are new to sight loss and are seeking a supportive and safe environment for discussion with peers in similar situations. This program is led by facilitators with lived experience of sight loss. This peer support group meets four consecutive Wednesdays (June 5 to June 26) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. A commitment to the four week series is required as this is not a drop in program.

If you love books, this group is for you! This group features guest authors as well as weeks where a different genre or theme are picked. People read their choice of book on the theme and come ready to discuss. It's a great way to build your reading list and learn about what others are reading and the technology they use to access their books. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 

Welcome to our yoga class, where tranquility meets movement. Join us in a serene environment designed to restore balance and enhance flexibility. Our experienced instructor will guide you through poses that promote relaxation and strength, whether you're new to yoga or have practiced for years. This class is open to all abilities. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub.

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Hamilton area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Brantford area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.

Join us for coffee and great conversation. An opportunity to talk with others living with sight loss. Hear from guest speakers, get new information, and share resources and tips.  Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! Second Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub.

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Medicine Hat on Wednesday, October 9 at the Medicine Hat Public Library (414 1 St. SE, Medicine Hat) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Cyber Security Awareness Month continues with this deep dive into keeping your digital life safe! In this session, we’ll look at some of the top security threats and how to stop them. Wednesday, October 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

This program is for First Nations participants with sight loss to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances for mutual support and networking in a safe and comfortable setting. Second Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay. 

If your interested in learning how to play the guitar or or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 60 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.

Book some time to play today! Join us on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Castlegar on Wednesday, October 9 at the Castlegar & District Public Library (1005 3 Street, Castlegar) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

This class is designed for all level yogis. Relaxed pace to release anxiety and calm the body. Students will be guided into meditation, breathing techniques, yoga poses and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, a big towel and an open mind to learn something new! Gentle Yoga runs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This Zoom workshop is a 2 for 1! The first hour is devoted to structured learning – focusing on basics and beginner topics. Later on, we'll have a volunteer-led, tech-focused Q&A discussion group dealing with a wide range of questions. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks, share about your favorite apps, help one another and strengthen your own skills in the process. Join us while we figure it out – together! This technology group is hosted on Zoom on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time.

Do you live in a rural part of Canada with limited or no public transit options? Join CNIB for a virtual focus group to share your experience with us and help shape CNIB's future advocacy efforts. Wednesday, October 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 

Children of all ages across the country are welcome to participate in our live reading series Read Aloud to Me. Join us every Wednesday as experienced volunteers give life to picture books, chapter books and short stories. While stories chosen are geared to participants between the ages of 7 to 12, anyone who would enjoy listening is welcome. Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Cyber Security Awareness Month continues with this deep dive into keeping your digital life safe! In this session, we’ll look at some of the top security threats and how to stop them. Wednesday, October 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The Zoom Zoom Room is growing up, and is now called the Zoom Room for Kids! Children ages 6-10 and older, non-verbal participants are invited to join us as we use music to build our social skills. Each session will be all about the special things going on that month. Make sure to come regularly, because each session you will work as a team to create your own special song. Certified music therapist Melissa Murphy will also have lots of songs and stories to share that are perfect for singing and dancing along. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 

This is a virtual group that gets together every Thursday morning for a general group conversation. There is no planned topic of conversation but it is kept positive and light! Every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Lace up your shoes and put on your spooky costumes Join our three week Halloween step challenge, no matter where you live! It’s fun, it’s simple and you could have a chance at winning you’re very own Fitbit activity tracker!

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Sudbury on Thursday, October 10 at the CNIB Sudbury Community Hub (1545 Regent Street, Suite 104, Sudbury) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Join to connect with other people in the Burlington area for conversation, support and good practices. First, second and third Thursday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Steinbach on Thursday, October 10 at the Friedensfeld Community Centre (32004 Road 35E, Sarto) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Mastery of the computer keyboard is essential for anyone using a computer, especially for someone using a screen reader. With this in mind, we are now offering weekly keyboarding coaching sessions at the CNIB Community Hub on Thursday's.

If your interested in learning how to play the guitar or or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 60 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.

Join us for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. Every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.

We will showcase CNIB SmartLife Products and explain the benefits. If you have any questions about assistive technology devices, we are here to provide you technical solutions. Questions are always welcome! Second Thursday of every month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB London Hub.

Calling all knitters – whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter! Come out and enjoy some time with your peers and knit! If you don’t know how to knit, no problem we can teach you! Every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub. 

A peer support group for people who are blind or partially sighted to learn from and connect to others who understand their experiences. Come and share tips and tricks with other participants relevant to your community and connect with local resources. This group is for people with sight loss living in the Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma district. Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. on Zoom or telephone.

In this four-part series, we’ll introduce the iPhone and iPad and discuss some of things you can do with one. We’ll show you how to navigate your device, how to customize low-vision features, and how to use the built-in screen reader for total sight substitution. We’ll also introduce you to Siri, the virtual assistant that you can use to control your device just by speaking and discuss the latest updates in the new iOS 18. Every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.